Li'l G has a bit of a temper. It's true. She gets it from our mothers. (I think I can safely say they would own up to this.) For a little while now, whenever I tell her no, she in a very mockingly upset tone with big crocodile tears in her eyes mimics back, shouting "No, no, no!" I realize that these early years will be fraught with many "nos," but it doesn't make me feel good. So when she asked me for something the other day with a look that conveyed her expectation of a "no," it felt wonderful for me to say "Yes, of course!" She was surprised, and elated.
So my new fast will be from the word "no" a little more often. Of course I will still need to set limits and correct, but I want to find better words to use than just "no," and be more deliberate about when I really need to restrict her. I want to make certain it is for her good and not my convenience. Just because mommy is tired and irritated can't be a good reason to say no to everything. I want to see that joy in her and surprise her with "yes" more often when it really isn't harmful, but I'd rather do something else, like finish a cup of coffee or just sit for ten minutes.
We'll see how it goes... :)
great reminder
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